How Do You Monitor The Presence Of Asbestos?

           There are three monitoring methods of assessing whether asbestos is present.  These are bulk sampling, wipe testing and air monitoring. The bulk sampling involves taking a little sample of the material and examining it under a magnifier or microscope. This is combined along with a visual examination to review and assess the state of the material. This technique is used in surveying buildings and sites to determine if a material contains asbestos. With this information a prioritization system for elimination and control can be developed.

           Then wipe testing involves taking a sample of dust from the area and inspecting it under a microscope. This test is used when asbestos has been disrupted or removed as an essential back up to air monitoring. It shows if asbestos fiber have settled out of the air onto surfaces.

           And the air monitoring involves drawing a sample of air through a filter by means of a pump, then counting the number of fiber trapped on the filter under the microscope. It is used to check fiber levels in the air after removal or during disruption of asbestos materials.
Most of the asbestos fiber that cause the lung disorder are not visible to the naked eye. That is why air monitoring is very important technique for detecting asbestos pollution.